After back-to-back solid seasons to start his career, Drake London broke out in 2024. He posted 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 receptions. He seemed to solidify himself as one of the premier wide receivers in football.
Just two weeks into the 2025 campaign, fantasy owners are questioning London’s impact in the Falcons offense. Is it time to panic?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of London’s value with Michael Penix Jr. under center and whether fantasy owners should worry moving forward.
Is Drake London a WR1 with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback?
The Falcons are 1-1 through two weeks of the 2025 season. London hasn’t scored a touchdown and finished with 55 yards on eight receptions in Week 1 and 49 receiving yards on three receptions in Week 2. There are pros and cons to both outings.
London caught eight of 15 targets in Week 1 for an average of just 6.9 yards per reception. That’s lower than any yards per reception he had in 17 games last season. He averaged 12.6 across his first three seasons. On the bright side, Penix peppered him with passes. Yes, he only caught eight, but 15 targets is an indication that he’s a focal point of the offense.
Week 2 was the opposite. London caught three of four passes, which was more efficient but less volume. He averaged 16.3 yards per reception for a total of 49 receiving yards. London also fumbled the ball against the Vikings, which led to a turnover; he hasn’t fumbled since his rookie season.
The inconsistency between weeks as well as not scoring a touchdown makes fantasy owners question what London’s value is. He spent most of last season with Kirk Cousins before Penix took over under center. While they had a full offseason together, this is still a relatively new tandem.
That said, let’s remember how well the two played together late last season. Penix took over the starting job in Week 15 and London had some of his best performances then. The wideout caught 5-of-8 passes for 59 yards in Week 15, 7-of-13 for 106 in Week 16 and 10-of-18 for 187 and two touchdowns in Week 17.
The volume was there, which is incredibly important. Receivers’ fantasy value can’t be consistent without a lot of targets. Wideouts are unlikely to have 50-yard receptions or touchdowns every week to make up for a lack of catches.
The touchdowns will come for London, and Penix’s accuracy will improve as he matures. He’s started just five NFL games up to this point.
Fantasy owners shouldn’t be concerned with London’s productivity so far. This isn’t a wide receiver who randomly broke out last season. He’s been building up to this level since the Falcons selected him eighth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Trust the process, and if he’s on the trade block in your league, consider acquiring him at the right price.